Pin it
I gotta tell you about my go-to winter sweet treat - this Hot Cocoa Poke Cake! I whipped it up one chilly holiday evening and now my family bugs me for it every winter. It's basically your favorite cup of hot chocolate transformed into an awesome cake with gooey marshmallow inside and the dreamiest cocoa frosting on top. Once you give it a try, you'll be totally hooked.
Cozy Winter Indulgence
There's something truly special about mixing hot chocolate flavors into a cake. Whenever I bake this, my house smells absolutely amazing. It's easy enough for a random weeknight but fancy enough for holiday parties. My little ones get so excited when they spot those tiny marshmallows scattered across the top.
What You'll Need
- Cake Mix: 1 box milk chocolate plus the ingredients on the box.
- Vanilla: 1 teaspoon for that extra something.
- Marshmallow Creme: 7 ounces to create that dreamy filling.
- Whipped Topping: 8 ounces fully thawed.
- Hot Cocoa Mix: ½ cup roughly 2 packets just the powder!
- Mini Marshmallows: 1½ cups because you can't have too many.
- Chocolate Syrup: For that final touch of sweetness.
Let's Bake Together
- First Comes The Cake
- Follow the box directions for your cake but here's my trick add that teaspoon of vanilla and nobody will know it's from a box.
- Into The Oven
- Get that batter into your greased 9x13 pan and bake it right. I always check a few minutes early so it doesn't dry out.
- Poke And Fill
- Take your warm cake and poke holes with the end of a wooden spoon. Then comes the fun part pushing marshmallow creme into every hole. Try using a plastic bag with a corner cut off to keep things tidy.
- Top It Off
- Stir the cocoa powder into your whipped topping and smooth it all over. Sprinkle with marshmallows right away for soft ones or wait till later if you want them firmer.
- Let It Rest
- Wrap it up and stick it in the fridge for at least 6 hours. I usually make mine the day before because it tastes way better after sitting overnight.
Pin it
Why We Love It
This isn't your regular chocolate cake it's like getting everything wonderful about hot cocoa in every forkful. The marshmallow creme sneaks into all those holes making little pockets of gooey goodness while the cocoa topping tastes just like your favorite winter drink.
Keep It Fresh
If you don't gobble it all up right away your cake will stay good in the fridge for about three days. That marshmallow filling actually helps everything stay super moist. I like to cut it into squares and store them separately so they're easy to grab when a sweet craving hits.
Perfect For Sharing
Whenever I bring this to a party people go nuts for it. Something about those marshmallows makes everyone feel nostalgic. It feeds a bunch of people too so it's great for holiday gatherings or when the whole family comes over.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I'll throw some crushed candy canes on top during Christmas or add some chocolate curls when I want to fancy it up. My kids love to help with decorating and honestly you can't mess it up whatever you put on top will taste amazing.
Pin it
Tips From My Kitchen
Always poke your holes when the cake is still warm so the marshmallow stuff can really sink in. If your marshmallow creme is too thick pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. And for chocolate lovers try a dark chocolate cake mix instead it takes the flavor to another level.
Mix It Up
I've tried different hot cocoa flavors and mint is super tasty around the holidays. You can even mix some peanut butter into the topping or start with a totally different cake mix. There are so many ways to change it up.
Everyone's Favorite
This cake makes adults act like kids again. I love watching people's reactions when they taste it for the first time. We now make it for winter birthdays and holiday dinners because nothing feels as comforting and special.
Make Ahead Magic
You can totally spread out making this over two days. I often bake the cake at night then finish it the next morning. It actually needs time in the fridge anyway so all those yummy flavors can blend together.
Serve It Right
We love eating this with an actual mug of hot chocolate though some friends say that's too much chocolate! A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side works great too it cuts through the sweetness just perfectly.
Pin it
Pure Joy In Every Bite
This Hot Cocoa Poke Cake has turned into something more than dessert at our house it's now a family custom. There's something really magical about turning your favorite winter drink into a delicious cake. I bet it'll become a must-have in your family too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the cake need to chill for hours?
- Chilling helps the flavors come together and lets the cake firm up. The taste and texture improve a lot if you chill it fully, so don’t skip this step.
- → Can I use homemade whipped topping?
- Yep! Beat 3 cups of heavy cream with hot cocoa mix for 4-5 minutes until it forms stiff peaks. It’s a great alternative to Cool Whip.
- → When should I put on the marshmallow topping?
- For a soft, creamy texture, add marshmallow before chilling. For a firmer feel, spread the marshmallow after chilling. Either option works!
- → What’s the best hot cocoa mix to use?
- Stick to dry hot cocoa mix powder—not prepared liquid hot chocolate. Two regular packets add up to about half a cup.
- → How do I evenly distribute the marshmallow filling?
- Poke holes about an inch apart in rows across the whole cake. This spacing helps the filling spread evenly without clumps.